Forcados Terminal: Retrenched Workers Opt For A Total Shutdown In Coming Days If..
By Binebai Princewill
In what may appear as a big economic blow to the Nigerian Federation and Delta State, retrenched workers in Forcados Terminal have vowed that there is likely going to be a total shutdown of oil operations in the facility within the coming days. The Liberator Newspaper can report.
This was made known to newsmen at Ogulagha community, traditional headquarters of the kingdom in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State during a protest against the indiscriminate sack of over 50 indigenous workers of SPDC.
The protesters while hinting newsmen at the entrance gate to Forcados Terminal had noted that it is a taboo for SPDC to have woke up one morning to say they have sacked indigenous workers.
The protesters described the said retrenchment of workers as an act of marginalization, oppression and evil taken too far by SPDC, stressing that the protest will continue until SPDC reverses their decision to reinstate the allegedly sacked workers.
They continued that if the Federal Government of Nigeria, Delta State Government and the management of SPDC fails to address this lingering issue, the next few days, they would have no choice than to opt for a total shutdown of oil operations in the terminal.
The protesters in their numbers are also demanding for their unpaid arrears.
On his part, Youth president of Ogulalagha Community, Mr Anthony Waterwei expressed displeasure on the attitude of SPDC towards indigenous workers. He lamented that SPDC is taking his people for granted.
In his words “They Don’t employ up to 10% of the MoU the community entered with them.
” It’s so painful that my brothers have been at home for over 9 months without salary, they sent our people home and fly in their people. Imagine SPDC sacking Community workers for no reason. As I speak to you over 50 workers from we the host Community have been dropped from work and have been seating at home for months”
One of the sacked staff who identify himself as Mr ThankGod IYaragba narrated that since they were sent home, they have find it difficult to carter for their family. “SPDC doesn’t care about our welfare. SPDC is marginalizing indigenous workers”
Meanwhile, it would be recalled that Forcados Terminal is one of the most viable economic base to the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Delta State Government.
